First Nations Summit Congratulates Shane Gottfriedsonon his election as Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations

Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver, BC) – The First Nations Summit (FNS) congratulates Chief Shane Gottfriedson on his first ballot election as the next Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN).

Regional Chief Gottfriedson, whose traditional name is Kukpi7 spiu, is currently completing his fourth term as Chief of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops Indian Band).

“We congratulate Regional Chief Gottfriedson on the strong mandate he received from BC Chiefs”, said Cheryl Casimer of the FNS Political Executive. “We look forward to working with him over the next three years to ensure the critical issues that our nations and people face are addressed in close coordination with National AFN Chief Perry Bellegarde”.

“Regional Chief Gottfriedson has many years of experience as Chief of his community and has clearly shown he understands the local, regional and national issues that impact the lives of First Nations across BC and is committed to working with the First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs as a member of the First Nations Leadership Council”, said Robert Phillips of the FNS Political Executive.

“We look forward to working with Regional Chief Gottfriedson on issues of importance to First Nations in BC such as; the recognition of First Nations’ Title and Rights; ongoing treaty negotiations; the recognition and implementation of existing treaties in BC; implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and improving the overall economic and social conditions in our communities”, added Grand Chief Edward John, also a member of the FNS Political Executive.

The First Nations Summit also commends Chief Bob Chamberlin of the Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation, Nelson Leon of the Adams Lake Indian Band and Doug White of the Snuneymuxw First Nation for also putting their names forward for consideration for this important position.

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The First Nations Summit speaks on behalf of First Nations involved in treaty negotiations in British Columbia. The Summit is also a NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Further background information on the Summit may be found at www.fns.bc.ca.